It's hard not to notice the daily record-setting performances
of these super-athletes now representing the United States
in worldwide competition at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

So it's no surprise that
many in the Smith community are also tuning in to the games.
The Gate recently asked "What are you watching
and why?" Here's what a few at Smith said:

Sara Pruss, assistant
professor, geology

"I have been watching swimming
and gymnastics. I am interested in swimming for a couple
of reasons. My husband swam and played water polo in high
school, so I have a new appreciation for that sport. It has
also been fun to watch the Michael Phelps show! As far as
gymnastics, I have loved that event since I was a little
girl. I participated in gymnastics when I was 4 or 5 years
old, but never quite made it to the uneven bars!"

David Machowski, associate
director, CDO

"Soccer and the bicycling--good
stuff! I follow the Euro, UEFA Champions League/Cup, World
Cup and the Italian and English Premier leagues in soccer,
so the Olympics are analogous to that. Same with the bicycling,
as I ride quite a lot and annually follow the Gyro d'Italia
and the Tour de France, so the Olympics are of some interest."

Sabrina Marsh, associate
director, admission

"The gymnastics are, hands down,
my favorite to watch. The power and strength of those particular
athletes is incredible. I enjoy the background stories that
are shared about all the athletes, too. Perhaps that is why
swimming and diving have also captures my attention. Did
you know Michael Phelps eats 8,000-10,000 calories a day?!
It seems to be working for him."

Lily Lamboy ’10

"My favorite
events are swimming, diving, gymnastics, and track and field.
My mother was a competitive Junior Olympics swimmer, so the
swim races take on a whole new dimension with her detailed
commentary. Like many track and field events, swim races
are action-packed and high-tension, leaving me glued to the
screen. As for synchronized diving, I love the event because
of its extraordinary beauty and precision. To see one diver
is a marvel, but to see two in tandem borders on miraculous.
Finally, like many Smithies I know, I enjoy the gymnastics
competition. I am in awe of the grace and strength of both
the men and the women, and I am always on the edge of my
seat as a competitor attempts a difficult swing from the
high bar to the low or performs a back-flip on the balance
beam."

Stacie Hagenbaugh, director,
CDO

"Favorites: the marathon,
triathlon, cycling, swimming. I was an avid runner for a
few years, so I love to watch the distance races. I have
recently started biking, so I like to catch the cycling events.
As for swimming, there are so many interesting stories, like
those of Dara Torres and Michael Phelps, I can't help but
watch."